Long story short, my maple got destroyed last Fall and over the past few weeks showed signs of life, much to my delight. There are many suckers growing at the bottom of the tree.

I was told by others here to cut down the existing trunk to just above the suckers (since there is no growth at all above them). I should then select the strongest sucker and stake it, trying to train it to become new leader.

I assume I should use two stakes, one on either side of the branch, as I see done in City parks etc when they have just planted a young tree? Can I use garden twine, tying the twine on the STAKES, not on the branch itself, but wrapping the twine aorund the branch once to serve as a 'collar'?

Or should I instead use those large twist-tie gardening things I have....thick wire surrounded by a layer of green foam...and use those to secure the branch to the stakes?

I'd prefer to use the twine cuz it's less conspicuous...

Thanks!